On Monday, March 24, 2025, Carbon County’s C.A.R.E. Coalition hosted a workshop designed to educate local teenagers on mental health and well-being. The event, which focused on equipping young people with tools to improve their mental health, featured a keynote address from Vern Larsen, a retired professional with experience in the State Office of Education.
Larsen’s presentation focused on key elements of happiness, emphasizing positivity, service to others, resilience, and adherence to personal values. He encouraged attendees to practice what they preach, advising them to commit only to actions they can realistically follow through with. He also highlighted the importance of outward-focused behavior, using the metaphor of a spoon: when turned inward, the spoon appears small and upside down, but when facing outward, it becomes larger and upright. Larsen urged the teenagers to focus on helping others and contributing to a supportive environment.
Following the keynote address, participants broke into smaller groups for hands-on activities. The options included planting, painting, journaling, yoga, and self-defense. In the planting session, students discussed the importance of nurturing positive environments and avoiding harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol, and vaping. The painting activity allowed participants to express their emotions creatively, with many students producing nature-themed artwork. Meanwhile, others engaged in journaling, noting things they were grateful for in their personal lives.
A yoga session focused on mindfulness, helping attendees center their bodies and minds, while the self-defense class taught vital skills for personal safety in potentially dangerous situations.
The workshop proved to be both educational and enjoyable, providing teens with opportunities to connect with peers, learn coping strategies, and focus on their mental health. Kayla Jones, a sophomore at Carbon High School, shared her biggest takeaway: “I learned that as I face challenges in life, I can grow. Instead of being knocked down by hard things, I can choose to make the most of it.” Another student, Allie Rohas, emphasized the importance of trusted relationships, noting that having people to turn to during difficult times is crucial for emotional well-being.
With rising rates of mental health challenges among teens, studies indicate that strong community connections can help prevent destructive coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse. C.A.R.E. 4 Carbon’s third annual Youth Mental Health Conference addressed some of these critical issues, and the coalition plans to continue supporting local youth through future events and initiatives.
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